in shops. The procession was often saluted by muskets, to which they responded by continual cheers. Pictures and emblems were displayed in different places, and the streets were filled with men and ladies. I walked almost over the town alone, though I had called at Mrs. Hart's with hopes of finding the young ladies; but they were already gone. About nine o'clock I returned home fatigued, but much pleased with the evening.

"4th. This evening was at a party at Mrs. Nelly Hart's, given by Thomas to Colonel Croghan, the hero of Sandusky. Before breakfast I wrote an ode, before dinner copied it, and it was handed round in the evening. I thought myself it was not contemptible, and my vanity was gratified by the praises bestowed upon it. It was shown to the Colonel, immediately after which he was introduced to me; but from a diffidence not very common between the flatterer and flattered, not a word more was said. This conduct very much raised my opinion of the man, although a conversation would have been very agreeable. His countenance pleased me much better than when I saw him on Sunday, and on the whole, he is an intelligent, pleasant-looking man.

"Of the gentlemen at this party little can be said. They were generally unsocial, and paid little attention to the ladies, excepting the Colonel and one or two other officers. I was told that wine was not put on the side-board, lest some of the young men should get tipsy. Of ladies, I suppose there were about forty, of all sorts of faces. The most beautiful I saw was Eliza P. There are very few who are beautiful. With their dress, especially that of the more fashionable class, I find the same fault as with the ladies, of Washington, they have monstrous bosoms behind. The shoulders are so bound back with corsets, that the skin is wrinkled, and a huge valley appears between them, far from lovely or agreeable.

"7th. Had a letter from Mr. Richardson. It contains some excellent advice, which, if I will follow, he bets his life that I will succeed in Lexington. I shall preserve it as my practical creed."

CHAPTER V.

"1814, October 10th. I have determined to go to Frankfort day after to-morrow, and apply for license to the Court of Appeals, the highest court in the State. My object is to have a license which will carry the greatest weight with it, should I leave the State.

"12th. Having waited in town from past seven to nine for Major Barry, on whom I relied to introduce me to the judges at Frankfort, I set out for that place alone. I found the country similar to that around Lexington, until I approached the capital, where it becomes hilly. On all the road, but a small part of the land is cleared.

"All at once the capital of Kentucky opens upon the view on the right, on a little spot of flat ground almost under you, and surrounded by hills. The Kentucky River, now a small and dirty stream, winds along among these, and so deep and crooked is its channel, that it scarcely makes an opening. The town is not at all pleasant, except to those who look down upon it from the hills.

"It was about two o'clock, and Barry had not arrived. I dined, and wandered over the town and banks of the river until about four, when, learning that he had not yet arrived, I began to think of some other method of being introduced.

"Understanding that Mr. Wickliffe, a lawyer of Lexington, to whom I had been introduced, was in town, I sought for him, but in vain. I then adopted the only remaining alternative; inquired the names of the judges, and introduced myself. They asked me some questions relative to my education, and bade me call after supper. I called, and was questioned for about an hour, and made several blunders. The questions were more particular than I had been led to expect. Some person came in to do business, and I was told to call again after breakfast, to-morrow, and they would consider my case. I went away with the idea that their impressions were favorable.

"13th. I called again, and, contrary to my expectation, they proceeded to examine me further. This continued for nearly half an hour, and though for most of the questions an answer was on my tongue, I blundered in one, and in another I could not answer at all. The Chief Justice asked the others if they had any questions to ask, to which they

event.

answered, 'no.' He then asked what they thought of it. One of them, a suspicious-looking fellow, who seemed thoughtful, asked me if Mr. Barry had arrived. I answered them in the negative, when another of them said that he had. I rejoined that I would ask him in, if they wished to ask him any questions concerning me. 'No, no,' they said, and the suspicious-looking man asked if an answer before noon would do. I said yes,' and retired, not with the most pleasant feelings. In answer to what had been my course of reading, I had enumerated most of the books that I had read. I had blundered on some questions which one who has read so much ought to answer. I had told them I had depended on Major Barry to introduce me, and no Barry appeared, and when he did come I did not know it; these circumstances led me to suspect they doubted my whole story. Nothing opposed this impression except my certificate from the county court. I now trembled for the What must be my mortification! Can I return to Lexington? With these feelings, I called on Barry and told him the judges seemed desirous of seeing some person who was acquainted with me. promised to call. At ten o'clock I went into the court. Barry was there; I asked him if he had seen the judges, - 'no'; but he would at dinner. Here I sat listening in torment to the proceedings till half past one. I often caught the judge's eyes, and fancied they gave me a look of respect. Here conversation with Wickliffe and Barry showed them that I was not a stranger. The former showed me much attention, and when the court adjourned, invited me to his room. I remained in this suspense till after dinner, contriving expedients in case of a refusal. I thought one moment I would give a true statement of my education, and beg another examination; the next, that I would apply to the next circuit court, and, by my exertions, make their honors blush for their refusal. I could not, however, for a moment hesitate to admit the justice of their apparent suspicions.

He

"After dinner I again called, and was told by the Chief Justice that they had concluded to give me a license, but I must procure the form. I attributed much in this decision to Mr. Barry; but what was my surprise when, soon after, Barry passing by, asked if the judges were now in their room, saying that he would now call and see them! Thus I learned that my license was procured without a word from any mortal who had been before acquainted with me! Although I could not help severely blaming him for negligence in a matter in which I was so deeply interested, I was heartily glad he had not called, there is something so pleasant in owing everything to ourselves.

"I could not now help feeling that my fears had far underrated my appearance on examination, and I am still convinced that such was the fact. I was told I must procure a form of license, and having done this,

I called, but the judges were gone out. I waited nearly an hour, and then, as it was near four o'clock, left it with Major Barry, and set out for Lexington.

"I know not whether I shall stay in Lexington, but every week makes it more likely. The advice of Mr. Richardson and my other friends, with the character of all the young lawyers here, afford me strong hopes of success. My friends have become more and more interested in my favor, and this, joined with my own inclination, will very likely decide

me.

"17th. This day I received my license,

I want nothing but clients to make me a lawyer.

so, as J. Hart told me,

"18th. This day attended a regimental muster. The militia here are but an ill-armed, undisciplined rabble. There were many without guns, and I do not recollect to have seen a cartouch-box or bayonet in the whole regiment. We formed, marched half a mile to a field, after one drum and fife, our only music, formed in échelon three times, marched back again, and were dismissed. I was much fatigued, for we were a great while performing these manoeuvers, as both officers and men had to learn them.

"30th. In conversation with Mrs. Clay, an observation was made characteristic of herself, and as it regarded myself, not without foundation.

The conversation was on bows, and I said I did not know what sort of a bow I was accustomed to make, for it was a long time since I had thought on the subject. She answered she knew, and imitated it, continuing, that I always looked as if I was ashamed when I came into a room. I blushed at the remark, and the more as I was conscious it was just. But I am glad it was made, for it will be a stimulus to make me attempt assuming a little more confidence and dignity. I feel that it is possible, and it shall be done.

"November 1st. John Hart, with some of the ladies, walked out. He informed me that he was about to vest five or six thousand dollars in the grocery business, and wished to know if I could recommend any person who would come out and manage it for him. I recommended my friend Brazer, Jr., but observed, that, were I five years younger, I would engage in it myself. He said he wished he could make it an object for me, and observed he would gladly put all his property under my care. I thanked him, and little more was said, but I concluded to write to Brazer. However, this set me thinking, and attempting to contrive ways in which it should be mutually advantageous.

"2d. With several plans in my head I called on J. Hart, but before I had time to divulge them he made me a proposal. It was to vest in business five or six thousand dollars, of which I should take the care, and receive one third of the profits, or should that fall short of $500

per annum, he would insure me that sum. He wished me to vest what money I could obtain, from time to time, in the business, and finally make the business my own; but he was averse to every plan like partnership.

"To change the whole object of one's life I thought too serious a matter to decide hastily, and therefore resolved to take a day or two to consider it. The inducements to accept are the certainty of an immediate support, the prospect of riches, the doubtful nature and bad prospects of my profession, which are daily darkened by the clouds of war, and the swarms of New-Englanders flocking to this country.

"On the other hand, my ignorance of the business, the long term spent in the study of law, my ambition, and the supposed opinion of my absent friends, throw me into a state of doubt and perplexity. I returned to the tavern, walked out to Mr. Wickliffe's with R., spent a social hour, and again returned to the tavern, where were four of us Yankee emigrant lawyers, and we made ourselves merry with brandy and our ill prospects. I proposed my case, and asked their opinion, and found them unanimous that I should accept Mr. Hart's offer. My own inclination is to the same opinion, although I am not perfectly pleased with the arrangement. Should I do it, Breck will probably take my place at Mr. Clay's. Would to God that Mr. Clay was at home! for I should probably be decided by his opinion.

I dreamed that I had resolved

"3d. Thought made me restless. to pursue the business of law, and was likely to be successful. When awake I returned to the same state of doubt, from which I was relieved in the afternoon by a call from Mr. Hart, who informed me the goods were not to be procured, and he had concluded to abandon or defer the business to a more favorable opportunity. Thus are all my mercantile hopes blasted, and I am again a lawyer. I am almost resolved to make a solemn promise that I will follow the profession through thick and thin, betide me weal, betide me woe. At the present time I need such a resolution.

"5th. Breck dined with me and spent the afternoon. I am sometimes almost resolved to quit my place, and go immediately into practice; but I cannot but have hopes that by delaying I shall derive advantage from the friendship of Mr. Clay.

"6th. Two more law students arrived in town from Worcester County, Massachusetts. They come with strong hopes, and will therefore be more disappointed. Yesterday I had a letter from Fowle, who says he must quit Boston, for business is at a dead stand. He has joined an infantry company, and done duty one week in the forts.

"13th. Wrote to Fowle. I now recollect an anecdote of last evening, which serves to illustrate what is the impression of the slaves here